2017 TABLETOP GAME DESIGN SHOWCASE
Goals
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To provide a space where independent designers can share their talent and showcase
their games to the general public
To bring together game designers and their audience and increase awareness of each
other and the game design process
To encourage and inspire designers to create indie games
Timeline
Mar 15 – Apr 15
May 1
May 15
May 15 – Jul 15
July 16
September 23
Video submissions from designers.
Finalists for showcase spots are identified.
Prototypes for finalists must be received by curation committee.
Curation judges play finalists’ games and determine the presenters.
Presenters are notified. They must confirm acceptance by July 23.
Showcase at BostonFIG.
Boston Festival of Indie Games
2017 Tabletop Showcase Information
Eligibility
The BostonFIG Tabletop Showcase is open to all indie game designers worldwide.
Since there are no perfect criteria for what an “indie” game is, we will take submissions on a
case-by-case basis and work with designers/studios to determine what games make sense from
a community standpoint.
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All types of tabletop games (card games, board games, tabletop RPGs) can be
submitted.
Only unpublished games or games that have been released after October 2016 can be
submitted.
All submitted materials must be original property of the designers/developers.
BostonFIG will not, in any case, be held responsible for counterfeit or plagiarized games.
Games that have been shown in previous BostonFIG showcases are ineligible for the
showcase, but can still participate as exhibitors.
There is no criterion for game length. However, if a game longer than 30 minutes is
chosen to be showcased, designers/developers should present a short slice of their
game at BostonFIG, as this tends to work best for exhibiting.
If you have any questions about the eligibility of your game, please contact us. Decisions will be
made on a case-by-case basis.
Boston Festival of Indie Games
2017 Tabletop Showcase Information
Submission Phases & Criteria
Phase 1: Video Submission
Designers/developers who are interested in submitting a game should prepare and submit the
following before April 15, 2017:
1. The submission form, along with the $35 fee, through EventBrite.
2. A 3-5 minute video showcasing your game. Videos should:
• Be no longer than 5 minutes in length
• Show the designer talking about the game, concept, and story behind it
• Show the game itself
• Show any unique aspect(s) of your game
• Be uploaded to YouTube, Vimeo, or other video sharing site
Note: The quality of the video (editing, entertainment value, etc.) will not be judged,
only the content. However, audio should be clear.
Curation judges will review videos and provide some feedback to designers. Approximately 55
games will be chosen for Phase 2, the Prototype Submission.
Phase 2: Prototype Submission
Phase 2 submitters must send a physical prototype, including a rulebook, to the curation
committee. Fees and prototypes must be received before May 15, 2017. Designers will be
notified where the prototype should be sent. Print-and-Play files will not be accepted as a
prototype.
Prototypes may be picked up at the festival on September 23, 2017. Arrangements must be
made ahead of time if submitters would like their prototypes returned prior to the festival. Any
expense of returning a prototype are the responsibility of the submitter.
Curation judges will provide structured feedback on the following aspects:
• Originality and Innovation
• Gameplay and Mechanics
• Artistic and Visual Direction
• Rules
• Overall Impression of Game
All games will be played and evaluated by at least three curation judges. Feedback will be sent
to the designers after playtesting. If chosen for the Tabletop Showcase, designers may use
feedback to improve their game. However, finalized games should closely resemble submitted
games.
Boston Festival of Indie Games
2017 Tabletop Showcase Information
Phase 3: Showcase Acceptance & Awards Judging
Accepted designers will be notified of their acceptance on July 16, 2017 and must confirm via
an acceptance survey by July 23, 2017. Accepted designers will be given a booth at the festival.
Booths will come with a choice of a 6-ft round or 6 ft long table, and 4-6 chairs.
Designers/developers are expected to show their game for the entirety of the festival. Games
currently available for purchase may be sold.
All accepted games will automatically be eligible for Figgie Awards, to be determined by
Curation judges. This year’s Tabletop Figgie Awards are:
2017 Tabletop Figgies
Best in Show
This award will go the game that judges consider the best overall
Most Dynamic
This award will go to game that best incorporates theme, art, and
mechanics
Most Innovative
This award will go to the game that uses the best implementation of the
most original mechanic, component, or other element
Best Game for
Social Change
This award will go to the game that best addresses a specific social issue
(awareness, role-play, political, etc.)
Best Family Game
For the game that plays best with all age groups
Best Game in
Progress
This award will be given to the best unfinished game/prototype
Audience Choice
Award
This award will be determined by audience voting at BostonFIG
Terms & Conditions
By submitting to BostonFIG, you agree to the above stated process and that failure to comply
with it can lead to your game being rejected from submission without refund. You also
understand that if your game is not accepted into the BostonFIG showcase, your entry fee will
not be refunded.
You agree that BostonFIG will not be held responsible for any damages incurred through
participation in the showcase and submission process including, but not limited to: audience,
media, and judges’ reactions to your game; rejection from the showcase; failure to receive a
Figgie; and feedback given by other constituents.
You agree that all game content and other materials are owned solely by you and fellow
developers and designers. You agree that you have appropriate permissions from all developers
and designers to enter your game into the showcase. You also agree that BostonFIG will not be
held liable for any legal disputes that arise from your participation in the showcase and
submission process.
Boston Festival of Indie Games
2017 Tabletop Showcase Information